Deeply infiltrative endometriosis is a rare and severe form of endometriosis, affecting around 1% of women of reproductive age. It causes uterine lining-like tissue to grow in other parts of the body, leading to inflammation and scar tissue.
This condition is advanced endometriosis that has spread to organs near or inside the pelvic cavity, including the bladder, intestines, reproductive system, and other organs.
Deeply infiltrative endometriosis is a type of endometriosis where endometrial-like tissue grows in other places outside of the uterus, such as in the pelvis or abdomen. These tissues behave like the endometrium, building up and shedding with the menstrual cycle.
However, because this tissue has no way out of the body, it becomes trapped, leading to inflammation, scarring, and cysts. Doctors group endometriosis by type and stage according to its location, depth, and amount of tissue affected.
The four main types of endometriosis are: superficial peritoneal endometriosis, endometrioma, deeply infiltrative endometriosis, and abdominal wall endometriosis.
Symptoms of deeply infiltrative endometriosis include excruciating menstrual periods, pain during sex, chronic pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and digestive issues. It may also affect a person’s fertility.
Diagnosing deeply infiltrative endometriosis can be challenging, as symptoms are shared with other health issues. A laparoscopy is often the best way to diagnose endometriosis, but this presents significant challenges.
Doctors may use a combination of a pelvic exam, an ultrasound scan, an MRI scan, a laparoscopy, and a biopsy to diagnose the condition.
Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis, as it allows doctors to visualize the presence of endometriosis and determine the extent of the condition.
Deeply infiltrative endometriosis has no cure, but there are several treatment options that may provide relief from painful symptoms. Treatment may aim to relieve pain, improve fertility, slow the growth of endometriosis tissue, or prevent it from returning.
Conservative surgery, such as laparoscopic excision, is often the best option for removing affected tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. Definitive surgery, such as a hysterectomy, may be necessary in some cases.
Pain-relieving medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can ease the pain, while hormone treatment can limit estrogen production in the body, encouraging endometriosis tissue to develop.
Hormone treatment options include the combined oral contraceptive pill, progesterone-only options, and more powerful hormonal treatments such as leuprolide acetate injections.
For people living with deeply infiltrative endometriosis, it is essential to have a frank discussion with their doctor to thoroughly understand their diagnosis and treatment options. This can help them make informed decisions about their care and advocate for their own health.
People can find support and information through groups such as the Endometriosis Association, which provides help, education, and support for people living with endometriosis.
Deeply infiltrative endometriosis may also affect a person’s fertility due to the way that the condition can alter the anatomy of the pelvis and cause scar tissue to develop.
In practice, this means that people with deeply infiltrative endometriosis need to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with their condition, and work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their symptoms and make informed decisions about their care.
Deeply infiltrative endometriosis can affect a person’s fertility, and adhesions can prevent eggs from traveling or implanting in the uterus. It is important for people with this condition to understand their treatment options and the potential risks associated with them.
People with deeply infiltrative endometriosis should also consider the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, to help manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.